Theatre and Performance Studies Commons^™

Self-Efficacy Development In Elementary-Aged Learners Through Dance As An Algorithmic Thinking Tool, Niva Shrestha

Honors Theses

The purpose of this research is to demonstrate the effectiveness of a transdisciplinary approach in teaching computational thinking through dance to elementary-aged learners, with primary attention to females. With limited literature available on how pre-adolescents begin to construct conceptions of computer science and other engineering domains, including potential career pathways, the incentive of this project was to leverage a day camp for about 20 rising 3rd - 5th-grade learners to assess their identity development in computer science. Modules that teach computational thinking through dance paired with Unruly splats (block-based programmable electronic gadgets) were implemented. By conducting pre-and post-surveys and a …

“Though She Be But Little She Is Fierce”: Playing Hermia On The Virtual Stage, Taylor Alleman

Honors Theses

This thesis displays an undergraduate theatre performance student’s process for portraying the character Hermia in the University of Southern Mississippi’s Spring 2021 production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The student completed a detailed script and character analysis, practiced specific vocal and movement techniques, and explored various choices in rehearsals in order to create a profound character that best fit the production.

Keywords: Theatre, Analysis, Vocal, Movement, Performing, Shakespeare

Movement As A Way Of Knowing Earth: An Ecosomatic Approach To Developing Movement Choices, Brittany Tolbert

Honors Theses

The senior choreographic project The Spirit of Gaia aims to not only build awareness for individuals about the impact humans have on the climate crisis but also to inspire change in the way in which humans utilize movement practices for the benefit of Earth. As a creative process based in somatic exploration and a performance contingent on a live audience, The Spirit of Gaia exists as a living moment of dance. Acknowledging the power movement has to be the progenitor of a larger environmental consciousness and an eco-friendly change on the individual level, the dance acts as a means of …

Dontrell, Who Kissed The Sea: An Expedition Into Technical Direction, Joseph J. Shelly Jr

Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film: Theses, Student Research, and Creative Work

The Nebraska Repertory Theatre, in partnership with the Johnny Carson School of Theater, Film, and Emerging Media Arts at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, chose to produce Dontrell, Who Kissed the Sea in March of 2021. Playwright Nathan Alan Davis completed the play in 2017. He is originally from Rockford, Illinois, and a graduate of Indiana University. Dontrell was his second produced play, premiering in June 2014 at the Source Festival in Washington, DC. Several theatres since 2014 have produced the play, and ours was the third show of the 2021-2022 season. The director was Ron Himes, the Founder …

Dontrell, Who Kissed The Sea: An Exploration Of Scenic Design Process, Emma Laine Hoffbauer

Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film: Theses, Student Research, and Creative Work

The purpose of this thesis is to provide research, supporting paperwork, production photographs, and other pertinent materials which document the scenic design for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln/Nebraska Repertory Theatre production of Dontrell, Who Kissed the Sea by Nathan Alan Davis. This thesis contains the following: research images collected to develop and communicate ideas regarding location, shape, texture, scale, mood, and historical and architectural reference to the production team; preliminary sketches and digital renderings, and photographs of the 1⁄4” scale model; a full set of drafting plates and painter’s elevations used to communicate finished appearance of each scenic element, a list …

The Potentials And Challenges Of Zoom Live Theatre During Coronavirus Lockdown: Pandemic Therapy And Corona Chicken (Part Two), Khaled Mostafa Karam

Faculty Scholarship

This study discusses the potentials and challenges of Zoom theatre performances during the lockdown caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. It examines the utilization and applicability of videoconferencing software Zoom, and other streaming software compatible with it, in creating a viable performance option for theatre practitioners and audiences during mandatory social distancing. Such software can be a strategy for social inclusion, alleviating the adverse effects of extended quarantine. The article also discusses the technical and performative aspects of Zoom theatre, pointing out its pros and cons. It uses a critical and analytical approach to performances of two Zoom plays, Pandemic Therapy …

135th Street Branch: Librarianship And The Passing Fictions Of Regina Anderson Andrews And Nella Larsen, Caitlin Matheis

Department of English: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

In this thesis, I examine how two writer-librarians that worked in the 135^th Street Branch of the New York Public Library in the 1920's, Regina Anderson Andrews and Nella Larsen, grappled in their fiction writing with questions of classification, information, and knowledge that encompassed their daily work in the library. I begin by contextualizing the branch within the Harlem Renaissance and Arturo A. Schomburg's call for the preservation of Black history and literature at a time when the field of librarianship was being professionalized by implementing library schools and classification standards. I then provide readings of Andrews's one-act play …

An Analysis Of Charging Practices And Their Impact On Battery Degradation In North American Electric Vehicles Built Between 2010-2020, Douglas William Edward Ferrier

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Electric vehicles (EVs) are emerging as a component of the global solution to combat climate change. However, in North America, particularly in the United States and Canada, the transition away from internal combustion engines (ICE) has been slow. North America faces unique challenges due to its geographical size and population in comparison to other continents. The good news is that EV adoption is increasing within North America. Along with increased EV adoption, governments and public companies are constructing charging infrastructure to support increased consumer EV purchases. Despite increased adoption, many future and current owners throughout North American society have concerns …

The Reading Of Sir Toby Belch: A Queer And Black Exploration Of William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night., Jahi E Bogard

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This MFA thesis explores queer, black representation in William Shakespeare’s drama and in the University of Louisville’s Department of Theatre Arts Fall 2021 production of an adaption of Twelfth Night (1601). Directed by Jennifer Pennington, the repurposed script and non-traditional casting targeted a modern audience. Cast as Olivia’s drunk uncle, Sir Toby Belch, I aimed to discover if my identify as a black, queer, cis man could be incorporated into Shakespeare’s text. Sir Toby Belch’s raucous, heterosexual, and sometimes violent, traits are often imagined today as innately masculine. I argue that Shakespeare’s plays can be appropriated by queer, black actors …

Covid-19 & Broadway: A Comparative Analysis Of The Shifting Marketing Strategies Of Playbill And The Broadway League, Leah Gaffney

Honors College Theses

On March 12th, 2020, all Broadway productions closed their theaters due to the declaration of the Covid-19 global pandemic. This shutdown led to companies in the Broadway industry transitioning to nontraditional marketing strategies. This paper will outline how the Covid-19 pandemic led to changes in strategic marketing decisions and compare the motivations of these decisions for two Broadway companies: Playbill and The Broadway League. Previous literature denotes changes to marketing strategies as a result of other historic events in the
industry, and current news sources provide industry insight into the campaign discussions.Primary research will be conducted through one-on-one structured interviews …

The Effect Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Collegiate Dance Majors At Pace University, Taylor Kurtz

Honors College Theses

This thesis will explore the various adaptations dance majors at Pace University were required to make to their training during the shift to remote learning due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, beginning in March of 2020. Prior to universities moving to a completely remote learning environment as a result of COVID-19, collegiate-level dance had never been taught through an online platform. Because of this, dancers needed to shift the way in which they were training for this extended period of time. To begin my research on this topic, I first collected various scholarly articles and journal entries that related to the …

Margin Of Error, Aubrey Felty

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

According to Utah State University’s Office of Analysis, Assessment, and Accreditation during the Fall semester of 2020, about 18% of students enrolled were students of color. About 2.5% of students enrolled identified as two or more races. Margin of Error is a docudrama that elevates the voices of multiracial college students and promotes a better understanding of multiracial individuals. The project involves actor portrayals of interviews with multiracial college students who discuss navigating their multiple racial identities at often predominantly white universities. It also features reactions and commentary on the students’ experiences from faculty and students at Utah State University. …

100 Million, Cade Scott

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Alec, an 18-year-old filmmaker, decides to bunk with a group of TikTok stars in a mansion in the suburbs of LA in hopes of becoming as famous as them one day. But, he soon finds out that they plan to keep him behind the scenes. Forced to continue helping them film and post their videos, he starts witnessing shady events involving his step-brother, Kevin. The events reach a crescendo when some of the TikTok stars accidentally disappear. Alec investigates and discovers a sinister plot, and then he finds himself in a fight for his life. Which ends with him narrowly …

Operatic Mysticisms: Mountains, Deserts, Waterscapes, Andrew Demczuk

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Operatic Mysticisms: Mountains, Deserts, Waterscapes examines the ways we encounter environments as readers/viewers of operas, literature, film, and sound recordings, and how each medium requires different detail-gathering techniques. Respective to the previously mentioned mediums, Sun & Sea (2017), Mount Analogue (1952), El Mar La Mar (2017), and Energy Field (2010) are analyzed by engaging with environmental media studies and invention. Reflecting the nature of each landscape—summits of mountains, aporias of deserts, and mysteries of waterscapes—an elemental approach is taken in investigating how these spaces may be noticed, internalized, recorded, and traversed by both the artist and viewer. …

Adaptive Theatre Techniques For Use In Autism Behavioral Intervention, Tyler Hastings

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This study explores effective techniques for teaching a person with autism behavioral and social skills, and shares research that suggests adaptive theatre techniques are a supportive option for people with autism. By utilizing scholarly research, the goal of this study is to: identify, analyze, and evaluate successful techniques for teaching students with autism, and prove that adaptive theatrical techniques are an effective resource for teaching people with autism behavioral and social skills. There are many successful techniques available when teaching an individual with autism. I plan to examine traditional techniques when teaching individuals with autism, analyze the many benefits that …

She Speaks Her Truth: Black Female Self-Empowerment In African-American Centric Texts, Britt N. Seese

Master of Arts in English Plan II Graduate Projects

A Master's Portfolio that looks into African-American Women in African-American literature and theatrical works.

Spring Dance Concert 2022 Playbill, Providence College

Playbill and Promotion

Providence College Department of Theatre, Dance & Film

Angel Blackfriars Theatre

Blackfriars Spring Dance Concert 2022

Student Choreographers under the direction of Dr. Wendy Oliver

April 29, Friday 7:30PM

April 30, Saturday 2PM

Spring Dance Concert 2022 Playbill, Providence College

Playbill and Promotion

Providence College Department of Theatre, Dance & Film

Angell Blackfriars Theatre

Blackfriars Spring Dance Concert 2022

Student Choreographers under the direction of Dr. Wendy Oliver

April 29, Friday 7:30PM

April 30, Saturday 2PM

Choreographers: Dea Ferguson, Katelyn Salvato, Kellie Johnson, Kaitlyn Novarro, Shaila Murthy, Kellie Greene, Ally Lynch, Kenzie Maude, Liz Hawley, Kate Doner, Mollie Giancola, Mary McDonald, Dance Company Seniors

Dancers: Liz Hawley, Kellie Johnson, Olivia Krupa, Ally Lynch, Julianna Martin, Allison Renaud, Kate Doner, Mollie Giancola, Kellie Greene, Katherine Gurley, Bianca LaBella, Bridget Maynard, Katelyn Salvato, Lexi Delano, Mary McDonald, Dea Ferguson, Grace Heffernan, Kenzie Maude, Katie Kudla, …

Annie

Taylor Theatre Playbills

The playbill for Taylor University's performance of Annie with book by Thomas Meehan, music by Charles Strouse and music by Martin Charnin.

Annie is a beloved musical with music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin, and a book by Thomas Meehan.The musical is set during the Great Depression and follows the story of a young orphan named Annie. Living in a miserable orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan, Annie's life changes when she is chosen to spend Christmas with the wealthy Oliver Warbucks. Despite various challenges and schemes by Miss Hannigan, Annie's optimism and determination lead to a …

Into The Woods, Department Of Theatre And Dance

Spring 2022

“…and they live happily ever after.” So end all of our most beloved fairy tales; but what if there was a different “after” after the “ever after”? Are we always happy with what we get? Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s most acclaimed musical explores what happens when dreams come true, wishes are granted, and spells are broken. With soaring music, funny dialogue, and unexpected twists and turns, Into the Woods at MSU promises a night of mystery, magic, humor, and surprise. At a time when we are beginning to come out of our homes, we invite you Into the Woods.

Zanna, Don't! A Musical Fairy Tale

Theatre Programs

No abstract provided.

The Imagined Histories And Futures Of The Past: Wwi And The Cultural Imagination, Kelly Aliano

Far West Popular Culture Association Annual Conference

In this paper, I look at various modes of imagining the futures incarnated by the First World War, beginning with artists and writers, like Ernst Ludwig Kirchner and Erich Maria Remarque, who experienced and depicted the war from a firsthand point of view. From here, I expand that framework to include J.R.R. Tolkien, whose masterpiece Lord of the Rings may owe no small debt to his wartime experiences. I consider the Doctor Who episodes, “Human Nature” and “Family of Blood,” as contemporary attempts to reinsert WWI into the cultural consciousness. Finally, I look at the two versions of War Horse …

Lighting Little Shop Of Horrors, Arielle Brown

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

The assistant lighting designer of a musical is responsible for supporting the lighting designer as they achieve their vision. During the production process for the musical Little Shop of Horrors (produced by the Nevada Conservatory Theatre), the assistant is responsible for creating and updating the paperwork related to the production. The Scene/Song Breakdown, Cue Sheet, and Group List are produced at the beginning of the process. Preset List, Effect List, Focus Palette and Color Palette Lists are produced during cueing and technical rehearsals. During technical and dress rehearsals, changes made to the production are updated in the paperwork. Once the …

First Year Showcase: Producing The First Year Showcase As A Capstone To My Last Three Years At Umw Theatre, Cathryn Puglia

Departmental Honors & Graduate Capstone Projects

For the Department of Theatre at UMW, the First Year Showcase is one of the first opportunities to involve new students. It gives them an opportunity to learn more about the department in a friendly and casual environment during the fall semester. In Fall 2021 Cathryn Puglia took on the challenge of producing the show. The documentation is a journal and reflection of the entire process.

Lesbian Visibility And Censorship In Early Twentieth Century New York City, Aimee Clouse

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

On the brisk night of February 9th, 1927, New York City Police crammed the casts of two Broadway plays, one of which Edouard Bourdet's The Captive, into the back of a paddy wagon. These arrests and the legislation that enabled them were just one step taken by institutions to hide lesbians from the public. The eclectic nature of New York City in the early twentieth century fostered a growing scene of gender and sexual expression unlike anywhere else in the United States. Here, lesbians found freedom to express their sexuality and explore a growing subculture.

Theoretical Lighting Design: Little Shop Of Horrors, Lou Hillman

Departmental Honors & Graduate Capstone Projects

This senior project includes design concepts, storyboard images, a light plot, a magic sheet, three cue lists, and three videos of songs from the show cued in the EOS augmented 3D software.

Dance, Gender, And Development, Samantha J. White

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

Gender socialization tends to entail differential encouragement of boys and girls in different activities. Parents may encourage girls to pursue activities like dance, whereas boys are encouraged to pursue sports. Recent evidence has shown links between rhythmic and phonological abilities, and improving rhythmic ability may have positive effects on reading ability.

I Am Because You Are, Avree Gundersen

Honors Theses

As a performer, I am honored to be trusted with the message that each choreographer decides to share. It is important that I keep an open mind, body, and soul which allows me to be a versatile mover. I find that my passion for dance is rooted in the essence of community and in sharing the space and energy with those around me. This builds a mutual trust and understanding that dance allows us to be vulnerable with each other. From that state of vulnerability comes strength, challenges, healing, and curiosity. I find that when fully immersed in the authenticity …

"You're New, Or Else You're Through": How Collaborating With James Lapine Kept Stephen Sondheim Fresh And Youthful In His Fifties And Sixties, Luke Worsham

Honors Scholars Collaborative Projects

Traditionally, musical theatre composers have faded out of relevance around their fiftieth birthday. Stephen Sondheim, the composer-lyricist whose incomparable shows changed the landscape and raised the standards of American musicals, managed to be an exception. How did he do it? By working with James Lapine, a playwright and director nearly 20 years his junior. This thesis examines Lapine and Sondheim's relationship and explores how the young Lapine infused the aging Sondheim and his work with youth, allowing him to stay fresh and avoid running out of steam.

The Moon Is Down And American Theater During World War Ii, Sally E. Parry, Robert L. Mclaughlin

Faculty Publications – English

This webinar was delivered in connection with the New York's Metropolitan Playhouse reading of John Steinbecky's 1940 play, The Moon is Down, which also served as a fundraiser for Direct Relief, provding aid in Ukraine and the region.

A recording of the webinar is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cz17iKCK7BA